Wangaratta Who's Who
Distinguished and Famous people from Wangaratta
1. Sir Isaac Isaacs (1855–1948)
Sir Isaac Isaacs was born in Wangaratta on August 6, 1855. He went on to become the first Australian-born Governor-General of Australia, serving from 1931 to 1936. Prior to that, he had an illustrious legal career, serving as a barrister and then as a Justice of the High Court of Australia. He played a significant role in shaping the Australian legal system.
2. John Shaw Neilson (1872–1942)
John Shaw Neilson, an Australian poet, was born in Penola, South Australia, but spent most of his life in Wangaratta. He published numerous notable works, including "Heart of Spring" and "Collected Poems." He is widely regarded as one of Australia's finest lyrical poets.
3. Dan Tehan (1971–present)
Dan Tehan is an Australian politician who was born in Wangaratta on January 27, 1971. He has been a member of the Liberal Party since 2010 and has held various ministerial positions in the Australian government, including Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Minister for Education.
4. Joel Edgerton (1974–present)
Joel Edgerton, a renowned Australian actor and filmmaker, was born in Blacktown, New South Wales, but grew up in Wangaratta. He has received critical acclaim for his performances in movies such as "Warrior," "Loving," and "The Great Gatsby." He has also ventured into screenwriting and directing.
5. Amanda Blair (1973–present)
Amanda Blair, a popular Australian media personality, was born in Wangaratta on November 12, 1973. She has worked as a radio presenter, TV host, and columnist, showcasing her versatility in the media industry.
6. George Dreyfus (1928–present)
George Dreyfus, an eminent Australian composer, was born in Wangaratta on March 22, 1928. He is best known for his composition of the "Rush" theme, which is used as the theme music for the popular Australian television program "This Day Tonight." He has also composed numerous other notable works.
7. Bruce Anstey (1969–present)
Bruce Anstey, a professional motorcycle road racer, was born in New Zealand but has been associated with Wangaratta. He has achieved remarkable success in various motorcycle racing events, including the Isle of Man TT, where he has won multiple races.
8. Dr. Vincent Varjavandi (1946–present)
Dr. Vincent Varjavandi is an accomplished Iranian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He was born in Iran but later moved to Australia and settled in Wangaratta. Dr. Varjavandi has made significant contributions to the fields of technology and education, particularly through his involvement in developing innovative software solutions.
9. Phil Carmen (1953–present)
Phil Carmen, an Australian singer and songwriter, was born in Wangaratta on September 14, 1953. He gained international recognition with his hit single "On My Way to L.A." and continued to release successful albums throughout his career.
10. Major General Gordon Maitland (1905–2003)
Major General Gordon Maitland, born in Wangaratta on February 19, 1905, was a highly respected Australian military officer. He served in World War II and the Korean War and held various leadership roles within the Australian Army, earning several prestigious awards for his service.
